NEWS ARCHIVE 1
Here you will find past articles published in TASC. The articles are in chronological order, from the oldest to the most recent. Articles more than a month old will appear with the title, the date of publication, and the first paragraph. You may request the full story of any previously published TASC article by completing the Article Request Form below. Be sure to include the following information when requesting an article: your name, email address (*articles sent by email are as a MS Word document attachment unless other request made), and the title(s) and publication date(s) (listed on the same line as the title) of the article. In particular, this page features articles from the past six months. For articles older than six months, you will find them on the News Archive 2 page.
On the Navigation Site to the left, in the light blue box, you will find a listing of all of TASC's past articles. Individual links will take you directly to a selected article. For your ease, once you are finished with an article you can click on the Back to Top link and return to the top of this page.
As always, we welcome your input regarding any TASC articles.
Articles beginning March 2005:
Secret Election Outed
by Clint Miller3/11/05
by Clint Miller3/11/05The election was strange. It was almost as if there was no election at all. Early on, it was apparent that the strategy of the City backed “Yes on S.C.O.O.T.” campaign was to slip this one by the voters as silently as possible. By letting as few people as possible know about the upcoming parcel tax vote, the “Yes” forces hoped to keep the turnout low and increase their chance of gaining the 67% super-majority needed to pass Measure T. An extensive use of phone lists was employed to reach specifically targeted audiences. Two slick and professional mailers were sent out to selected recipients. Known opponents of the parcel tax did not receive this glossy pamphlet. The streets of San Carlos were oddly devoid of any election signs. There was no discussion of the upcoming vote in the coffee shops on Laurel Street. For all intents and purposes, there was no election underway. Nearly $8,000 in donations was collected, largely from City Hall corporate cronies, to fund this stealth campaign. As a stealth election, almost everyone must have thought it would be a slam-dunk “Yes” vote.
The Aftermath by CeCe Wilkerson3/11/05
by CeCe Wilkerson3/11/05People cannot be surprised that Measure T failed. After all, way back in fall of 2004 the polling company to whom we paid $14,000 predicted as much, stating that support beyond $39 was shaky; $59 barely blipped at 30%. Our own Mayor cannot be surprised at its failure, stating at the November 22, 2004, Council meeting that $59 did not have support.
We have seen parcel taxes up and down the Peninsula for fire services, schools, things that people really care about, failing…. I would ask that my fellow council members draw on what history has taught us in recent elections.
Inge Doherty (from the 11/22/04 City Council meeting; Daily News, 11/23/04)And the remainder of our Council stated they too did not like the option based upon the results of the $14,000 survey.
A New Mystery: Why No Charges?by CeCe Wilkerson3/25/05
by CeCe Wilkerson3/25/05How can it be that Councilman Mike King has not been brought up on charges in connection with the Collier fraud case? With the fax that has surfaced, a document the District Attorney's office has in its possession, how can no charges have been filed?
Certainly the document does not bear a sentence proclaiming, "I, Mike King, direct you, Peg Collier, to submit a fraudulent claim." The document does, however, contain some extremely damning elements. For instance, the fax bears Mr. King's handwritten notations setting forth how Ms. Collier's billing statement should read. In particular, Mr. King indicates the bill should be split in two, creating the appearance that work on behalf of the firefighters (work that never took place) had been conducted during November and December of 2003. Further, Mr. King changes the hours she should claim to have worked, increasing the billing hours and thereby increasing the amount of the claim. The adjusted amount supplied by Mr. King brings the bill more in line with the money Ms. Collier claims she is owed for her work on Measure I and for which she was never compensated. Mr. King’s notations are reflected in the bill that Ms. Collier ultimately submitted to Belmont. Significantly, the fax also bears the typical transmission information, listing the sender’s place of origin – in this case, the specific fax number of Mr. King’s place of employment: Bank of Santa Clara. Sure, anyone could have sent the fax – but combined with her original statements, that King helped her prepare the false claim, any jury would have reason to conclude he did indeed send the fax.
Hidden Connections-The Puzzleby Clint Miller3/25/05
by Clint Miller3/25/05In the last issue of TASC, a letter by Steve Schrang posed questions about the involvement of some odd players in the pro S.C.O.O.T. campaign camp. As revealed by an examination of FPPC Form 460 on file at the City Clerk’s office, donations to the Yes campaign came from a number of out of town corporations that, on the surface, would appear to have no stake in the outcome of the vote. To the average citizen, not familiar with the closed nature of contracting at City Hall, the names of these businesses and corporations might not raise a red flag. Having attended City Council meetings regularly for the last three and a half years, I have been struck by the short list of vendors that the City uses to conduct its business. These same vendors are awarded contracts over and over again. It is obvious that the City is cozy and very entrenched with this short list of contractors; and the vendors, in return for their preferential treatment, make contributions to City causes as a means of staying at the top of the food chain.
The following is a list of corporate contributors to the City-backed Yes Campaign:
Bay Area Paving, San Mateo
RGY Enterprises, Auburn, CA
Bay Area Geotechnical, Palo Alto
BKF Engineering, Redwood City
Callander and Associates, San Mateo
Harlan Tait and Associates, Mountain View
Hexagon Transportation, San Jose
Bragato Paving, San Carlos
Parviz Kamanger, San Francisco
Ethics-Againby Clint Miller4/8/05
by Clint Miller4/8/05The Mayor was grilled at the last City Council meeting over her lax enforcement of the Council’s Code of Ethics Policy. It would appear, from her responses to the questions posed, that her interpretation of when to apply the Code depends on whether the transgressor is a friend or a foe. In the last issue of T.A.S.C., questions were raised by CeCe Wilkerson about the fax that Councilor King sent to Peg Collier, and which appeared to indicate that King had a much greater roll in the South County Fire Authority billing scandal than he has previously admitted to in public. The Mayor was obviously caught by surprise when asked when she planned to initiate an ethics investigation into King’s alleged part in the criminal fraud case currently working its way through the County Court. She defended her inaction by claiming:
Our Embarrassing Councilby Clint Miller4/8/05
by Clint Miller4/8/05The 4-to-1 Council vote to accept the final cost figures for the Industrial Road Project should be a major embarrassment those four voting yes. The manner of the vote was both arrogant and disrespectful. After Councilor Grocott laid out figures showing that Mokhtari Engineering (ME) had been overpaid in excess of $53,000, Don Eaton quickly made a motion to adopt the Industrial Road Project final figures as presented to the City. Eaton’s motion was just as quickly seconded by Mike King; and the vote was taken with no further discussion or answers given to the questions posed by Grocott. It was an insult to Councilor Grocott and to all taxpaying citizens of San Carlos.
The Wheeler-Dealerby Clint Miller4/22/05
by Clint Miller4/22/05The two weeks between putting out issues of TASC is often marked by information passed along to us by our readers and other concerned citizens. In most cases, it is “news” heard about town, on Laurel Street or in Wheeler Plaza. Sometimes it is additional information or thoughts they wish to share with us on articles that appeared on the website. Some of these conversations could be classified as rumor, but many of them are also informed speculation…and it often proves to be true. Let’s face it, the seething political climate of late contributes to this free exchange of information wherever people meet and converse downtown during their daily business. Therefore, from time-to-time we will share on TASC the rumors and speculation we hear. Certainly, rumors will be labeled as such. Please contact us with any information that you think might help shed light on the under-currents of the local political scene.
Rumor…or a New Scandal?King and the Collier Trial…an Old Scandal.Where Is That $53,000 and Will We Get It Back? A Citizen’s Oversight Committee on City Finances4/22/05
4/22/05Criticism has come from several quarters that it is impossible to understand the City’s financial reporting methods and documents. When figures are questioned at CC meetings the critics are disdainfully told to trust the professionals in the Finance Department. Isn’t this the kind of non-critical thinking and advice that got us the Enron and Worldcom debacles? Since the contracting schemes at City Hall first came to light, questions about a possible cover-up of under-the-table
payments have been making the rounds. This surprise discovery of unauthorized overpayments to ME and the City’s discredited initial claim that it was acting legally has lead to the predictable comment of “I told you so” by many.
If only you knew their name….by CeCe Wilkerson4/23/05
by CeCe Wilkerson4/23/05A few weeks ago the City provided to the press statistics from a study commissioned by PAMF (conducted in January before the King fax surfaced). The City also published the information from this report on their website, certainly taking pride in the apparent high-ratings received – after all, the study stated that 77% of citizens “say San Carlos is going in the right direction.” On this survey the City Council even received a 59% approval rating (though, interestingly, they were rated much lower than even the Chamber of Commerce). But let’s take a much closer and more significant look at what that study says. Of particular note was the portion that stated, “most voters have either never heard of or cannot rate their elected officials.” Since those surveyed can’t even name a council member, it is little wonder that ratings were as high as they were; for certainly, if a person does not even know a council member’s name, they are not going to be familiar with their works. I believe this is case in point of the adage: ignorance is bliss.
Seeing is Believing5/7/05
5/7/05We are trying something new. From time to time, articles will appear about happenings in CC meetings or analysis of how the Council handled a particular subject. These “Seeing is Believing” articles are possible through new technology now on the City’s website. What better way to explain this new TASC feature than to use the old cliché, “a picture is worth 1,000 words” – or in this case, a video is worth 10,000 words.
The Wheeler-Dealer5/7/05
5/7/05What people are talking about on the streets of San Carlos…these conversations could be classified as rumor, but many of them are also informed speculation…and they often prove to be true.
Rumor or a New Scandal…Continued?
In the last issue, the Wheeler Dealer column discussed a rumor originating from City Hall involving a “high City official” and making the rounds downtown. It may be that the target of the rumors was Councilor Matt Grocott…or maybe not. Perhaps the other shoe has yet to drop and there is another scandal in the offing.
Continued in full articleThe Mayor and Creative Parking
At the last CC meeting a Resolution Approving a Negative Declaration and General Plan Amendment for the purposes of updating the Circulation Element for the City of San Carlos was discussed. Mayor Doherty suggested the inclusion of language in this policy document that would foster creative and efficient design solutions for future parking to serve large retailers. She correctly pointed out that by starting now to change the way developers think about parking, designers could be moved toward consideration of alternatives to the huge expanses of asphalt routinely found in front of large Home Depot and supermarket-type stores. Underground parking or above ground stacks might allow developers to designate the saved land for pleasant landscaping or tasteful little pocket parks in their layouts. These parking structures would be on a smaller scale than the square block-sized stacks for cars that we are all used to. Those on the Council with less vision dismissed her notions as expensive and impractical. Her ideas were welcome, innovative and probably good for the future of San Carlos. Perhaps these ideas will be heard again – after November’s election – when they might fall on more receptive ears.
The Collier Trial and Kingate
The Preliminary Hearing in the ongoing trial of Peg Collier is scheduled for May 10 at 9 AM in the County Court House in Redwood City. The District Attorney has charged her with criminal fraud related to the South County Fire Authority billing scandal. It is expected that Councilor Mike King, whose seemingly incriminating fax surfaced in March, will testify at this hearing, as will other principals in the SCFA board with knowledge of the case. Their testimony will be reported in the next issue of TASC. The actual trial is on the court’s calendar for May 12 but it is doubtful that it will take place. A plea to a lesser charge by Collier is the most likely outcome, thereby saving taxpayers the expense of impaneling a jury and conducting the trial. The information to come out in the Preliminary Hearing should be quite illuminating about back-room City Hall deals.
SCOOT Election Costs
[Editor’s note: the following is text extracted from an email submitted to TASC by a writer who requests anonymity]
“Did you see the Daily News today? It reports that the special election cost the City over $101,000 -more than twice the "estimate" they provided. I am ever more convinced that our city has gotten off the rails and needs new leadership and new direction.”
Epilogue: May 9, 2005
Rumor or a New Scandal…Continued?
Councilor Grocott had two messages from City hall on his voice mail when he returned from a weekend bike trip:
The Bitter Truth…?by CeCe Wilkerson5/10/05
by CeCe Wilkerson5/10/05When reading the articles written by Dana Yates in The San Mateo Daily Journal, one is forced to wonder if perhaps Councilman Matt Grocott did something terrible to her puppy. From the first article to her third, the tone of her type is nasty at best. One hopes journalists would attempt to maintain a distance, to report in a balanced and unbiased fashion; apparently Ms. Yates is unable accomplish this. Perhaps it is because she read in TASC that we felt she hadn’t done her homework when she wrote at length about Mr. Grocott’s personal life and residency. Or perhaps the mean-spirited tone continues because Mr. Grocott pointed out (very tactfully it should be noted) that the tone was (in his words) negative – caustic is more like it. Or perhaps the reporter continues her biased reporting because she did not like the many inaccuracies of her first story being enumerated by Mr. Grocott at the May 9th meeting.
The Collier Trial and Kingate…Updateby Clint Miller5/21/05
by Clint Miller5/21/05Not news to most San Carlos residents is that Peg Collier will stand trial on felony fraud charges stemming from her role in the South County Fire Board (SCFB) billing scandal. Not detailed in the newspaper coverage of her Preliminary Hearing on May 10 was the testimony of witnesses that resulted in her being ordered to appear for trial on May 25. [Editor’s Note: TASC will cover this upcoming trial.] This sworn testimony highlights the roles of principals in the case and reveals that Mike King was more involved in the scheme than previously publicly known. Mike Garvey also appears to have possible involvement. Only King, however, remains a target of an ongoing investigation by the D.A.’s office. King is so close to being charged, that during the closing phase of the hearing, Judge John W. Runde closely questioned Sean Gallagher, of the D.A.’s office, as to why King had not yet been named as a co-conspirator. King’s version as to how he came to send his now infamous fax to Collier is a construction of such obvious weakness that it begs credibility. However, it is, from a legal point of view, just barely adequate to keep him from crossing the threshold of criminal behavior. It should be noted, that of the five witnesses subpoenaed to testify, only King, who is painfully aware of his precarious position, had an attorney present.
Who Was The Source?by Clint Miller6/10/05
by Clint Miller6/10/05Not nearly as riveting as the three-decades-long speculation about the identity of Deep Throat, is the ongoing discussion of who was responsible for spreading the rumors that enveloped Councilor Grocott last month. The pool of possible suspects in town is considerably smaller than that in Washington, nonetheless, the coffee shop buzz was just as loud here as in D.C.
From an editorial article in The San Mateo County Times, 5/10/05
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL IN SAN CARLOS?
A scandal is supposedly brewing in San Carlos City Hall, but the whiff of political retribution is stronger than any stink of wrong-doing.
The controversy involves already controversial Vice Mayor Matt Grocott, who stands accused -- mostly by rumor mongers and his political enemies – of not being a resident of the city, and of failing to disclose investments on conflict of interest forms.
At question is whether Grocott has moved out of town while continuing to serve on Council. He flatly denies that it is true, saying that while he spends a lot of time at his Woodside place of business, his residence is a San Carlos apartment.
Grocott rented the apartment after he and his wife decided to split last year. Grocott said that when he and his wife first discussed getting a divorce, they agreed to only tell friends and close associates so that it wouldn’t become a political issue. He said he doesn’t know how word got out.
According to the District Attorney, even if Grocott is living elsewhere temporarily during this transitional time of his life, it is not out of line and certainly isn’t illegal. Grocott has been active in San Carlos city issues since before he was elected, and wrangling over where he sleeps while he is getting a divorce doesn’t serve the people of San Carlos.
But it does serve his political opponents, most of whom he earned by casting himself as the city’s defender of all that is right and ethical, making him an easy target.
The other issue is that Grocott didn’t report that he owns more than $10,000 of Varian Medical stock on a financial disclosure form. The company used to co-own the land where the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Hospital will be built, and Grocott serves on the Council subcommittee that deals with the Foundation.
Grocott said he consulted with the Fair Political Practices Commission and was told the stocks didn’t represent a conflict of interest and that he didn’t have to list them. He did list those stocks on papers he filed when he was appointed to the Library Joint Powers Authority, so it doesn’t appear he was trying to hide his investment. In addition, it’s unlikely he’ll be in a position to profit from any votes he casts.
Grocott’s willingness to question the status quo and his sometimes sharp criticism of other city officials has earned him a lot of enemies. So it comes as no surprise that they’re rushing to fan the flames, hoping to turn this into a full-fledged Variangate.
If not re-reporting the stock is determined to be a gaff on Grocott’s part, he should refile the paperwork and the Council should move on. We suspect San Carlos has more pressing city business to attend to.
A Dumb Idea, Hypocrisy and Responsive Governmentby Clint Miller 6/10/05
by Clint Miller 6/10/05Summary:
Whether the City Library installs a drive-up book drop or not will not have a significant impact on the future of San Carlos. The real story here is how the City is dealing with the drop box issue and what it reveals about its values with regard to the wishes of the public. The drop box idea appears to be something that Library patrons think they might want but the City is having none of it and is being heavy-handed in its response both in the press and at CC meetings.
Who Was the Source? Redux by CeCe Wilkerson6/13/05
by CeCe Wilkerson6/13/05Speaking of those same rumors... At the 5/9 City Council meeting, based upon the Mayor's statement at the 5/9 CC meeting that "when a member of the public requests an investigation [she] must respond," I went to the podium and demanded an investigation into the spread of the recent rumors. Following the meeting, I sent the Mayor and Council (with a copy to TASC) a letter setting forth the myriad reasons an investigation was justified and necessary. I received a prompt response from the Mayor wherein she stated that it could be difficult (without the reporter’s source) to determine who spread the rumors. To which I responded that the effort needed to be made. [I have appended my letter to the Mayor/Council and her response below.]
Wheeler Dealerby Clint Miller6/13/05
by Clint Miller6/13/05Since the last issue, a reader wrote to enquire about the origin of the name for the Wheeler Dealer column. He was correct in guessing that Wheeler Plaza was connected to the title but he couldn’t quite accept the notion that citizens would purposely gather in this downtown parking lot to gossip about City politics. Well, they don’t go to Wheeler to swap rumors but they do go there for coffee each day. There are three coffee shops with rear entrances directly on Wheeler and the remaining majority of the City’s caffeine dispensaries are on Laurel within two blocks of Wheeler. If you want to know what people are talking about, this small area is where you will find them lingering over their morning coffee, scanning the daily paper and chatting with their friends. We don’t purposely deal in pure rumors in the Wheeler Dealer, but we do print speculation that often turns out to be quite accurate. Rumors are labeled as such.
$53,000 and Amnesia:
S.C.O.O.T. Re-Run:
The Collier/Kingate Scandal Lives Onby Clint Miller 6/26/05
by Clint Miller 6/26/05The trial of Peg Collier should have concluded a month ago and everyone assumed a plea of no contest would have been entered on June 23, thus ending the matter. Not so, as Collier’s lawyer requested a continuance of this already delayed hearing. The D.A.’s prosecuting attorney objected to dragging the matter out but Judge Stephen Hall allowed Collier the extra time. She will next appear on July 14 at 10:00 AM.
Wheeler Dealer6/26/05
6/26/05S.C.O.O.T. Re-Run:
Fall Election Filing Period Approaches:
Fool Me Once....by CeCe Wilkerson6/26/05
by CeCe Wilkerson6/26/05On Friday, The San Mateo County Times featured a very interesting article entitled "Contracts still favors insiders, jury says." It seems that TASC and the citizens of San Carlos are not the only ones interested in the ongoing travesty that is contract-awarding in this city. Though certainly no surprise that the unethical practices here are apparent to those who take interest, curious to me was the "surprise" expressed by Asst. City Manager Moura. Moura is bewildered how concern can still be possible after the changes to our Muni Code in response to last year's scathing Grand Jury report.
The Face of Politicsby CeCe Wilkerson7/11/05
by CeCe Wilkerson7/11/05Having had the opportunity to watch her on the dais as a Council member, when Ms. Doherty became Mayor last November, I thought a practical gift to her would be a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order, the standard for guiding assemblies such as our City Council meetings – of which I have two copies. Now, mid-way through her term, I wish I had done so. Using the last meeting as an example, there are some considerable reasons why she should curl up with the good book and do a little reviewing. The following are just a few of the more noteworthy problems, problems that span not only this meeting, but are also valid points of concern at other meetings.
Wheeler Dealer7/11/05
7/11/05Many names are being bandied about in the speculation over who might run in the upcoming City Council elections. The following are individuals who have come to our attention in the last six weeks, their names having been suggested as possible candidates. After the filing period begins on July 18, we can expect a more accurate read on who actually is serious about the race and this list will be revised as necessary. The one thing that seems certain is that there will be a large field. As San Carlos elections go, having this many candidates is unusual and can be directly attributed to the scandals and other turmoil that have enveloped City Hall during the last three years. An energized electorate is a good sign that a healthy political climate may be returning to the City and that we may have the opportunity to select new leadership.
And the Answer Is…?by CeCe Wilkerson7/25/05
by CeCe Wilkerson7/25/05In late March, Councilman Grocott raised concerns that funds were being expended beyond contractually-allowed limits for Outreach Coordinator, specifically with respect to Coordinator functions for SCOOT – and were, therefore, unauthorized. City Manager Mike Garvey stated he would look into the matter. Failing to receive answers from Mr. Garvey, Councilman Grocott, presented his report on the subject to the DA’s office. Now, months later and after repeated requests, the issue is no longer being ignored by City Hall and is on the agenda for Monday’s meeting. With respect to this item, a new expense wrinkle presented itself at the last meeting in the form of a massive report prepared by Mr. Garvey as his response to the questions put to him. Therefore, also at issue is his representation that the work involved in preparing this report is valued at approximately $60,000.
What’s Up Doc?by Clint Miller8/20/05
by Clint Miller8/20/05Mike King’s decision not to run in the November City Council election surprised no one. He was judged to be vulnerable to replacement as early as last fall when the Collier-Kingate scandal over fraudulent billings to the South County Fire Authority first became public. As this courtroom saga has played out in Redwood City, the chances of him being elected became less and less as the election got closer.
Don Eaton had been making candidate-like noises even before the filing period for inclusion on the ballot opened last month. In fact, he visited the City Clerk’s office and took out the necessary forms. Upon reflection, he decided he had had enough of San Carlos politics and chose “to go out while on top.” This was a development that was not expected.
We have suspected since about mid 2002, at the start of the Mokhtari Affair, that Eaton’s perspective on a number of City Hall subjects seemed, shall we say, unique. His off the cuff statements to the press have always added a certain element of entertainment and delight to the political dialogue in town. His way with words will be missed.
It was he who knighted the opposition as Nitpicker’s, a moniker that was taken up with glee. One has to wonder if he ever regretted his loose tongue after the back-benchers began showing up at CC meetings with bright orange tee shirts emblazoned across the front with Nitpicker. Eaton’s shoot from the lip remarks also initiated the publication of an obscure and often haphazard little half page newsletter that is today’s TASC. Later that same year, commenting on the Collier Kingate scandal he was quoted in the press as saying something to the effect that it made no difference what monies were used to pay Collier, since she would have to be paid anyway. What eluded Mr. Eaton’s fuzzy logic is that the District Attorney makes a very big distinction about how public monies are spent. This distinction is why Peg Collier was charged with felony fraud and why Mr. King is: 1) not running for re-election and 2) why he may yet be charged as a co-conspirator in the same crime. The statement also says loads about Mr. Eaton’s understanding of local politics, ethics and honest government. And, Collier has yet to be paid.
In retrospect, Don’s unusual point of view on City Hall happenings makes his assertion that he is “going out on top” less puzzling. When you are being carried out feet first it is easy to confuse up with down.
What is in an Endorsement? Possibly Manipulationby Clint Miller8/20/05
by Clint Miller8/20/05King and Eaton have given their endorsement to two candidates who have qualified for the ballot. Brad Lewis and Alex Phillips are unknowns at this point but both come out of what has previously been termed the City "Machine" [Editor’s note: see Two Councilors and the Political Machine, TASC 12/04]. Their long association with the City should lead discriminating voters to closely examine these two individuals and their respective platforms, as well as, question their susceptibility to manipulation by the outgoing incumbents. It has not escaped the notice of many that both Eaton and King routinely manipulate Mayor Doherty’s actions at CC meetings. It is not unreasonable to expect their intrusive ways to continue while they are out of office and allow them to influence “their” new Councilors should Lewis and Phillips be elected. This is not to say that this will happen but it is something to watch out for. One also has to wonder about the departed Mr. Garvey’s outside influences on the current Council and Acting City Manager, Brian Moura. Garvey’s Little Puppets may still be having their strings pulled in less obvious ways, from afar, by the former City Manager.
Wheeler Dealer 8/20/05
8/20/05He Has Had Enough:
A source has passed along a rumor that has been making the rounds. Seeing the handwriting on the wall, Parviz Mokhtari has concluded that his time with the City is probably short and has started to close out his affairs in town. The training wheels that were lucrative side-contracts allowing his fledgling engineering firm to toddle along in its infancy are no longer as necessary to his corporation’s viability. The departure of Mike Garvey must have given pause for reflection to all of our City Hall contractors. Now that King and Eaton will soon be gone you can bet that resumes are starting to circulate in earnest. The make up of the new Council and the style of the recently hired City Manager will determine how the contracting chapter in the City’s history will be concluded. All of the candidates have expressed varying degrees of dissatisfaction over how City Hall’s experiment with contracting has been handled. Mr. Mokhtari’s preparations for the future seem consistent with the prudent and analytical thinking of a professional engineer’s mind.
Wheeler Dealer:9/10/05
9/10/05A Machine Candidate?
This is not rumor but published fact. An article by Beth Winegarner in the Daily News (September 6, 2005) quotes Council candidate Bob Grassilli as stating that the reason for his running is that “There are two open seats that belong to people I respect.” These seats are, of course, those of Mike King and Don Eaton. According to Winegarner’s article, Grassilli has a long association with the City through his work on the Planning Commission and service on two separate rail corridor committees. He also served as campaign treasurer for Councilors King and Doherty and in the same capacity for the failed Measure I parcel tax for South County Fire Authority funding. He was involved in raising funds for the Youth Center and the San Carlos Library. There is very little information out on the candidates but as we have pointed out, we are understandably wary of “Machine” candidates. It is too early to draw a final conclusion about Mr. Grassilli’s position on issues but we will keep a watchful eye on his campaign because of his background.
What’s In a Letter?
More than words make a letter. The logic of the author, intellectual honesty, and ethical integrity are all on prominent display on the printed page.
Case in point: a letter sent by the City to Superior Court Judge Norman Gatzert last month highlights fundamental flaws in the thinking and voting of the majority block on the City Council. The letter signed by Mayor Doherty was a response to the Civil Grand Jury’s recent criticisms of the City over its contracting with City Hall insiders. Oops, I made the same error as the Grand Jury and the Superior Court Judge and used that word “contracting.” [More on this mistake below; page two Item 1 of the City’s letter.]
Attached are two letters that may be helpful references as you finish the rest of this article:
The Grand Jury Report of June 23, 2005
Mayor Doherty’s response of August 24, 2005
The City’s letter contains factual inaccuracies that are crafted in a deceptive manner to deliberately mislead the court, the Grand Jury and San Carlos residents as to the actual practices in the awarding of publicly funded projects to City Hall insiders.
On page one, Items number 1 and 2 are falsely stated.
Item 1: The City claims that the contractors in question were deemed never to have been employees. In fact, Parviz Mokhtari and Richard Everett were employees of the City of San Carlos immediately before becoming contractors with the City. The Grand Jury’s June 23, 2005, letter clearly is a continuation of the concerns of the 2004 Grand Jury report regarding favoritism toward former employees. The City’s artificial limitation of the reporting period to the twelve months that the current Grand Jury has been in session is duplicitous.
Item 2: The City claims that the District Attorney determined that the accusations were groundless and without merit. In fact, the District Attorney determined that there had been a technical violation of FPPC Section 1090, dealing with conflict of interest. He declined to prosecute the individuals, however, because he felt that he could not get a jury to convict for two reasons: 1) he found no evidence of criminal intent and 2) the employees in question had received bad legal advice from the City Manager and the City Attorney. This is not the same as stating that the District Attorney determined that the accusations were groundless and without merit.
On page two, Item 1: The City claims that it awarded no contracts of the type that the Grand Jury cited. This is particularly troubling assertion.
The City can claim that it has not awarded any contracts to these insiders only because the City does not use contracts for the projects in question. Since being criticized for its practices, San Carlos is carefully not to advertise for competitive RFPs and no contracts are awarded; the publicly-funded projects in question are simply given outright to the private engineering firm belonging to the Director of Public Works. The Grand Jury’s use of the word “contractor” in its criticisms was intended in a most general way and, again, refers back to the report of the 2004 Grand Jury on the subject. The City’s lawyerly response that no contracts were awarded ignores both the spirit and the intent of the Grand Jury’s concerns. Their response is an untruthful representation of the actual situation; evidence of how they truly operate can be found on video of City Council meetings and through a monitoring of paid City warrants.
This is a purposefully dishonest letter. There can be a major difference between what is accurate and what is honest. What is technically accurate may not always be truthful or honest and the City has exploited this distinction in its response. Former President Bill
Clinton’s assertion that “it depends on what the meaning of the word is” remains in the mind of the public as the classic example of this twisted misuse of the language. The discussion and answers provided by City officials at the City Council meeting when the letter came up as an agenda item indicate that the City has learned nothing from its Grand Jury experiences. The dishonest nature of the City’s letter, its style and tone, all indicate that City Hall has not changed its fundamental attitudes, continues to ignore its critics, and fails to recognize the erosion of the public trust that its contracting (oops, again) practices have caused.
In conclusion, the text of the letter is additional evidence that there needs to be fundamental change in the makeup and thinking of the Council. Those who replace King and Eaton will play a pivotal role in how we move toward this sorely needed change.
New perspectives and honest thinking from a reconstituted City Council, plus the addition of a new City Manager could result in fresh policy directions that require staff to be more mindful of how its actions appear to the public and to other agencies concerned with the public interest such as the Grand Jury and the Superior Courts.
City government must recognize that first and foremost it has a contract with the public to conduct its business and spend public funds in a manner that is above reproach. Currently, there are areas of governance in which the terms of this all-important contract are not adhered to. We are weary of embarrassing Grand Jury investigations and dishonest letters to Superior Court Judges.
Meet the Candidatesby CeCe Wilkerson9/25/05
by CeCe Wilkerson9/25/05As you know, due to the City's attempts to conduct business outside the public eye, TASC was created in an effort to promote the free exchange of information and ideas. With this foundation in mind, TASC recently invited the six candidates for City Council to respond to a set of identical questions pertaining to key issues within our City. TASC would like to thank the four candidates (in alphabetical order) who responded: Bob Grassilli, Matt Grocott, John Hoffmann, and Len Materman.
Below you will find the six questions that were presented to the candidates. Immediately following are their responses. In the interest of space and brevity, the questions will only be provided at the outset; however all answers will be numbered respective of the order in which they appear herein. The candidates’ answers have been provided in their entirety.
And as for the two candidates who chose not to respond…. Be sure to read Here We Go Again, an article reflecting on their failure to reply.
THE QUESTIONS:
1. Have you read the Grand Jury reports (2004 and 2005) and subsequent City responses pertaining to contracting issues in San Carlos? If not, are you familiar with the issues at hand? What are your thoughts with respect to the business practices being addressed?
2. In what direction have you seen development moving over the past five years? In what direction do you believe development should be moving? Some specific items for consideration are: the Transit Corridor; Open Space, including Devonshire Canyon and annexation; eminent domain; Wheeler Plaza and the proposed parking structure; Downtown, including height limits and what is commonly referred to as the “village feel.”
3. What have you learned from our recent experience with SCOOT? How do you see public transit in our community and how should it be funded?
4. Considering our current exploration of options with respect to fire services, in your opinion what would you like to see happen in order to ensure the safety of San Carlos residents?
5. What are your views on the current state of community relations with City government? How should a responsive government address community issues? How can it be improved?
6. What would you do to address the purported $1.8 million structural budget deficit?
THE ANSWERS:
Bob Grassilli
1. I am familiar with the business practices being addressed by the Grand Jury. I feel that any direct or contracted employee of the City of San Carlos (or their companies) should not be allowed to bid on City contracts. It is a conflict of interest.
2. I feel that any development, anywhere in San Carlos, should be smart development. If any property is developed, I would want to insure that any resident or business affected by the development, gets a full hearing. Development just for development’s sake is not a good idea. I believe that a mixed use development of retail and housing would enhance our City, and provide opportunity for residents to walk to services and use public transportation. Any annexation and development of open space must be done under the strictest of guidelines. I support the rights of property owners to develop their land, but higher standards must be met when considering open space. I am against eminent domain unless community support is overwhelming. No private profit from eminent domain.
3. Scoot was a good idea, with a bad business model. Public transit on demand is too expensive. I support a limited public transit system with moderate user fees and minimum city costs.
4. I would work to salvage South County Fire, but completely review and audit the way it operates. If SCF is eliminated, I would work to engage a suitable local partner (eg-Redwood City, San Mateo) to join both San Carlos and Belmont as a larger, more efficient fire service.
5. Community issues must be addressed at both staff and government levels. All interested parties should be part of the discussion. Only when government is transparent and open, can the community rely on its decisions. I would propose specific times, that staff and elected officials be available to the public (an example of this was the Hot Harvest Nights program) But let us do it all year round.
6. I would push for the completion of the Harvey Rose report examining how our City operates. I would examine all management costs to identify possible areas of savings. And further, I would support prioritizing city services to again identify possible areas of savings.
Matt Grocott
1. I have. I agreed with their recommendations; I don't believe the City’s response was adequate.
We modified the Municipal Code to disallow Department Heads from bidding on projects if they were involved in writing the bid documents. Two problems. 1) This allows a department head to refrain from doing their job if they want to bid on a project. 2) The City Manager skirted around the prohibition by awarding work without a contract. We either constrain this further or we mandate department heads be employees.
We did not address in the Code the section which allows the hiring of consultants without inviting proposals from competing firms. Neal Martin & Associates, Mokhtari Engineering and Regional Government Services/Local Government Services were hired without comparing their offers to any others. The Municipal Code needs to require competing proposals.
2. Development has been moving toward taller and more dense buildings.
We do not have any control with the Railroad land; it's owned by another state agency. However, to whatever extent the Joint Powers Board cares to listen, we should convey that we want buildings built proportionate to our current downtown. It should also be sensitive to the east side homes.
Wheeler Plaza should remain at grade parking. The parking study, which eventually led to talk of housing over a parking garage, did not justify building a garage. Parking in the area was shown to be adequate. Only more development would require additional parking.
Devonshire Canyon was mishandled by staff; our annexation policies were misconstrued to allow annexation. San Carlos owes nothing to land speculators who need to annex in order to access our sewer system. Five homes could not be built on this site if the properties remained in the County where septic is used; perhaps one house could be built.
3. SCOOT demonstrated the price of the Council not listening. RIders were willing to pay and the community was willing to pay a $39/parcel tax. We wasted $90,000 on a poll and a special election.
San Carlos cannot afford to have its own public transit and deal with a $1.8 M deficit. SamTrans needs to pick up on the success of SCOOT in certain markets and design their system accordingly.
4. Keep South County Fire intact, rework how the board is created and how it is staffed, with an eye toward expanding to additional cities.
5. If the community is unhappy with the Council, they need to elect new members. If staff is unresponsive, the community needs to put pressure on the council to, in turn, put pressure on the City Manager.
6. A) Reduce upper management positions.
B) Put the contract positions out to bid or replace them with employees. Unfortunately, Harvey Rose’s report has not come out. It is to address the question: Which is more cost effective, contractors or employees?
John Hoffmann
1) I am both familiar with and in agreement with the Grand Jury recommendations. My view is straightforward; contracting is appropriate when specialized knowledge, expertise and/or experience is required, and when the need is periodic. When the need for such knowledge and expertise is constant and ongoing an employee is the correct solution.
There's good reason not to have a fox guard the hen house. There is an equally clear conflict of interest when a firm bidding any portion of a project is also drawing the specs and recommending contract awards.
2) Development should and will move toward higher density in both commercial and residential development near major transportation corridors. However, it is not government's responsibility to build public housing projects but rather to encourage our free market system through incentives. I believe our Supreme Court is dead wrong in allowing eminent domain proceedings for private development.
The open space we have within or bordering our City is all we will ever have. At any opportunity the city should follow Will Roger's advice and "buy land, 'cause they ain't makin' no more of that". Although San Carlos is not in a position to purchase land we should make open space requirements part of all new developments and redevelopments where such opportunities exist.
As to parking, our downtown is "filling up" but we do not currently have the funds to build, nor do most citizens want a massive downtown parking structure at this time. We should at least consider the solution which other cities throughout the world have found works well - payment for parking convenience.
3) When you pay for expert advice confirmed by what the citizens overwhelmingly tell you they do not want, you should listen and heed.
San Carlos should have bus service but we must learn from our mistakes and should follow the successful examples of other cities, i.e. rider pays and fixed routes serving the majority. Service should be on an annually renewable (at the option of the City) contract for at least two years prior to any long term commitment.
4) In the future I believe we will see South County Fire truly become "South County Fire" from Menlo Park through Belmont or even San Mateo. In the interim, what we currently have has worked well for a quarter century and I hope can continue with the cooperation of both cities, the firefighters and management. I particularly like the cost saving idea of both Chief Lowden and the firefighters, to contract out the administrative and some managerial functions and retain the good first line service we currently have. Funding could be based on the population of each city with an additional increment subsequently added for services actually used.
5) Various factions within the city seem to be pulling apart rather than pulling together for the common good. Our City Council has made some very poor decisions over the past 5 years and changes in thinking, direction and governance are overdue. I believe we start by finding out what most citizens want and then give it to them to the greatest extent possible rather than governance in ignorance of or against their wishes.
Menlo Park is beginning just such a program of soliciting public opinion from every citizen in order to guide their Council.
6) Stop spending more than we take in.
Just as you and I are responsible for living within our means the City must too. Good economic times will return, meanwhile we must tighten our belt, concentrate on providing excellent essential core services, limit expenditures on nonessentials and not follow the example set by Sacramento.
Len Materman
1. I have read the Grand Jury reports and City responses. Rather than dismissing the reports, the City should take an honest look at the Grand Jury recommendations, for the City practices in question (at a minimum) give the appearance of a problem.
2. Over the past several years, the City Council, staff and Planning Commission have endorsed development that does not adequately take into account the concerns of nearby residents, the small town character of San Carlos, and the environment. While I believe this City needs an effective economic development strategy, this should not, and does not have to, come at the cost of these considerations.
3. I would like to see a public transit system in San Carlos. Like most public transit systems, public transportation in San Carlos should be the shared responsibility of users and the public. If this is the case, I believe residents would support it.
4. South County Fire has worked well for many years, and I would like to see it continue and perhaps be expanded to include other neighboring cities. To avoid the current problems with the organization’s governance in the future, the Fire Board should be more independent of all City Councils.
5. I believe most people would agree with me that San Carlos is a great City. I also believe that most people who have interacted with City government or attempted to not been satisfied with the experience